Are you searching for a reliable general contractor in LA? Our team of experts at Gozen Construction, Inc. has been providing residential and commercial construction services in the Los Angeles area for years. Our contractors have expertise in home building, remodels, new construction, and commercial projects. We also handle interior remodeling, tenant fit-outs, and furniture installations.
What is a General Contractor?
A general contractor oversees the construction of a building or site. The general contractor takes care of the owners’ needs.
In most cases, many different trades will work together in a project. For example, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters may work together on a single project. The general contractor oversees these different tradespeople and ensures they do their jobs.
This contractor will monitor costs and budgets, ensuring everything stays within the budget. They also ensure their team members meet deadlines and keep to schedules.
What Does a General Contractor Do?
A general contractor oversees all aspects of a building or site’s construction process. They’re responsible for everything from ordering materials to ensuring everything is completed on time and within budget.
This contractor must have experience in various trades. They need to understand plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. They also need to manage large teams of workers and coordinate their activities. All these workers will be working under one roof, as part of one team, under the direction of the general contractor.
What is the difference between a general contractor and a trade contractor?
A trade contractor specializes in one specific trade, such as plumbing or electrical. A general contractor coordinates the construction and oversees all tradespeople.
A general contractor has more experience than the individual tradespeople he supervises. He also knows how to manage costs and schedules for complex projects. These projects include commercial and residential building renovations.
When Do I need to hire a General Contractor?
Hiring a general contractor is necessary. A general contractor can manage all aspects of your construction project. They allow you more time to focus on other aspects of your business or life.
Many homeowners hire general contractors because their project coordination allows homeowners more freedom. The contractor will choose which tradesman to work with while keeping costs low. You can also avoid having to deal with people by yourself!
Why do I need to hire a Licensed General Contractor?
It’s crucial to hire someone with experience in construction. These general contractors also know local codes and regulations for your area. If you hire someone without experience, they may not know what they are doing. This leads to problems further down the line and more money spent on fixing mistakes.
A licensed general contractor assures you they have undergone proper training and testing.
What are the risks to hiring anyone without a license for construction in California?
If you hire someone not licensed, you may be liable if something goes wrong on your property. Suppose you have problems after hiring an unlicensed contractor. In that case, you may not be able to sue them for damages. They won’t have insurance or assets available to pay for negligence damages.
You risk having your property destroyed by fire or other natural disasters by hiring an unlicensed contractor. If a worker gets injured on your property, you could be held liable for any medical expenses that result from their injury.
Insurances that a reliable general contractor must carry
General contractors in California must meet certain licensing requirements, including:
- Passing an exam specific to your trade or craft
- Have two years of experience or three years of apprenticeship in your trade or craft
- Be at least 18 years old
To become licensed in California, you must carry various types of insurance policies:
- Workers Compensation Insurance for any injuries sustained by employees while on the job site. It also covers any injuries that occur off-site due to their work responsibilities.
- General liability insurance covers any liability issues that arise when working on your property. This could be due to slips and falls etc.
States require contractors to hold an active license or registration number to bid on jobs.
How to find a reliable contractor in Los Angeles
Finding a good general contractor can be challenging. Many contractors are out there, but not all are reliable. Some might not have the skills to do your job, while others might have poor customer service or work ethics. If you’re looking for a quality contractor in Los Angeles, use the tips below to help you find the right one.
Use referrals from family and friends
Use referrals from friends and family members who have had similar projects. This feedback will help you narrow down your search. Only select contractors who have experience with projects like yours can handle any issues that may arise. It’s also helpful if they’ve had positive experiences with their contractors. They can give insight into what makes a good one versus a bad one.
Check reviews online
Online reviews are another great way to learn about contractors in Los Angeles. Try searching for reviews on sites like Yelp or Angie’s List to see how other people have rated various contractors’ services. You should be able to find out whether these companies offer quality work at reasonable prices so that you don’t waste your time and money.
Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured
In California, general contractors must carry registration with the California Contractors State License Board (CCSLB). They also need to have general liability insurance.
Experience
Ensure that your contractor has experience working on similar projects. If not, find out why not!
How much will it cost?
Be ready for an answer that may include many variables, such as labor and materials costs. You also want to know the price for each phase of construction and how much time each phase will take. You may want to get bids from several companies to compare prices.
Can I see samples of your work?
A good contractor will have photos and references available for their previous projects.
How long has this company been in business?
You want a company with experience in your area that has been around long enough to know what works well.
Our Services
At Gozen Construction, we offer both residential and commercial services.
Commercial
- Earthquake retrofitting
- Foodservice
- Hospitality
- Multi-Unit construction
- Tenant improvement
- Warehouse construction
Residential
- Bathroom remodeling
- Earthquake retrofitting
- Garage conversions
- Additions
- Home improvements
- Home remodeling
- Kitchen remodeling
- New home construction
- Outdoor living
- Solar panels
If you need financing solutions for your residential projects, we partner with Hearth to make that happen for you.
Contact Us
Are the contractors you are considering bonded and insured? Without insurance, you could be responsible for unpaid bills or other expenses. If a contractor is not licensed and bonded, then they have not met essential qualifications.
Click here to learn more about finding a reliable contractor in Los Angeles.